Six Steps to the “Perfect” Lip

September 2012
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Volume 11 • Issue 9
Copyright © 2012
ORIGINAL ARTICLES
SPECIAL TOPIC
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology
Six Steps to the “Perfect” Lip
Deborah S. Sarnoff MD FAAD FACPa and Robert H. Gotkin MD FACSb,c
Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY
b
Lenox Hill Hospital—Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Institute, New York, NY
c
North Shore—LIJ Health Systems, Manhasset, NY
a
ABSTRACT
Full lips have always been associated with youth and beauty. Because of this, lip enhancement is one of the most frequently requested procedures in a cosmetic practice. For novice injectors, we recommend hyaluronic acid (HA) as the filler of choice. There is no
skin test required; it is an easily obtainable, “off-the-shelf” product that is natural feeling when skillfully implanted in the soft tissues.
Hyaluronic acid is easily reversible with hyaluronidase and, therefore, has an excellent safety profile. While Restylane® is the only
FDA-approved HA filler with a specific indication for lip augmentation, one can use the following HA products off-label: Juvéderm®
Ultra, Juvéderm Ultra Plus, Juvéderm Ultra XC, Juvéderm Ultra PLUS XC, Restylane-L®, Perlane®, Perlane-L®, and Belotero®. We
present our six steps to achieve aesthetically pleasing augmented lips. While there is no single prescription for a “perfect” lip, nor a
“one size fits all” approach for lip augmentation, these 6 steps can be used as a basic template for achieving a natural look. For more
comprehensive, global perioral rejuvenation, our 6-step technique can be combined with the injection of neuromodulating agents and
fractional laser skin resurfacing during the same treatment session. .
J Drugs Dermatol. 2012;11(9):1081-1088.
INTRODUCTION
I
n virtually all women, since the beginning of recorded history, full lips have been associated with youth, beauty, and
voluptuousness. Robust, pouty lips are considered to be
sexually attractive by both men and women. According to market research firm NPD Group, US sales of lip color reached $290
million for 2011, an increase of 13% from 2010, while sales of
lip-gloss were approximately $182 million.1 Even in a period of
economic downturn, women continue to buy products to adorn
their lips. The “lipstick index,” a term coined by Leonard Lauder,
Chairman Emeritus of Estee Lauder, Inc., in 2001, describes the
phenomenon of increased lipstick sales during an economic
downturn.2 Women would rather spend on little luxuries when
purse strings are tighter and the economy is uncertain. Lipstick is
that one affordable luxury that makes women feel pampered and
more confident. Women with beautiful lips feel more beautiful
and are likely to be more optimistic.
In youthful Caucasian lips, the ideal vertical height ratio of the
upper lip to the lower lip is 1:1.6 (Figure 1).3 The fundamental
proportions of the lips change as one ages, however, with lengthening of the cutaneous portion of the upper lip and volume loss
and thinning of the upper lip vermilion (Figure 2). Genetics, intrinsic aging, sun exposure, smoking, and repetitive pursing of
the orbicularis oris muscle produce angular, radial, and vertical
“lipstick bleed lines” (Figure 3). Gravity, osteoporosis, dental
changes, maxillomandibular bony resorption, and further soft
tissue volume loss at the oral commissures cause the commissures to turn downward in a perpetual frown (Figure 4). Midfacial
aging with ligamentous laxity in the cheeks causes the formation
of jowls and vertical geniomandibular (“marionette”) lines that
extend downward from the oral commissures to the mandible.
In addition to this hard and soft tissue volume loss, the lip margin itself may become blunted with flattening of the philtrum
columns and loss of projection of the Cupid’s bow (Figure 5).4-6
Aging also leads to pallor of the vermilion that results in the loss
of sharp vermilion-cutaneous junction demarcation.
While aging Caucasian men and women have similar hard
and soft tissue volume loss with thinning of the vermilion and
cutaneous portions of the lips, men generally do not develop
rhytides of the upper and lower lips. This is because men have
thicker skin with more subcutaneous fat surrounding terminal
hair follicles (as opposed to the fine vellus hairs in women).
Certain ethnic groups, such as Blacks, genetically have greater
volume in their lips. The increased melanin in their skin is protective throughout their lives. Consequently, their skin is less
prone to solar elastosis. They rarely develop radial rhytides in
the lips and their vermilion tends to retain its volume throughout their lives.
The volume and, therefore, the vertical height of the vermilion
of the upper and lower lips should fit within the framework of
Phi—the Divine Proportion or the Golden Ratio—1:1.618. This
begins with DaVinci’s classic proportions of the lips relative to
the rest of the face. These basic artistic principles from hundreds of years ago still apply today. One can summarize these
proportions as follows:
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D. S. Sarnoff, R. H. Gotkin
FIGURE 1. In youthful Caucasian lips, the ideal vertical height ratio of
the upper lip to the lower lip is 1:1.6.
FIGURE 2. Lengthening of the cutaneous upper lip, volume loss, and
thinning of the vermilion of both upper and lower lips occurs with age.
FIGURE 3. Angular, radial, and vertical rhytides of the lips are often the
result of both intrinsic and extrinsic aging: genetics, sun exposure,
and smoking. Note the solar elastosis grossly evident in b).
FIGURE 4. Gravity, maxillomandibular bony resorption, and accompanying soft tissue volume loss cause the oral commissures to turn
downward in a perpetual frown.
a)
a)
b)
b)
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D. S. Sarnoff, R. H. Gotkin
FIGURE 5. The upper lip margin becomes blunted with flattening of the
philtrum columns and loss of projection of Cupid’s bow.
FIGURE 6. Used with permission: Perkins and Sandel, Anatomic
considerations, analysis, and the aging process of the perioral region.
(Facial Plast Surg Clin N Am. 2007;15:403-407.)
FIGURE 7. Lengthening of the cutaneous upper lip with effacement of
the vermilion is readily evident.
FIGURE 8. Used with permission: Perkins and Sandel, Anatomic
considerations, analysis, and the aging process of the perioral region.
(Facial Plast Surg Clin N Am. 2007;15:403-407.)
1.
The face is divided vertically into thirds: upper third, middle third and lower third of the face—all equal in vertical
height (Figure 6).
3.
2.
The lower third of the face is also divided vertically into
thirds: upper third corresponding to the upper lip and the
lower two thirds corresponding to the lower lip and chin.
In youth, with more correct vertical proportions, the upper/
maxillary teeth show during speech. With aging, it is very
common to observe a lengthening of the cutaneous portion
of the upper lip while the vermilion becomes thinner and
almost completely effaced (Figure 7). It is common to no
longer be able to observe the maxillary teeth during speech
in an older individual. If the upper lip has lengthened so
much, no degree of augmentation will correct this and the
patient should be considered for a lip shortening procedure.
On the lateral view, if a straight line is drawn from the subnasion to the pogonion, the upper lip should project 3.5 mm
anterior to the line and the lower lip should project 2.2 mm;
the upper lip should project slightly greater than the lower
lip—again about 1.6:1 (Figure 8). An exaggeration of these
proportions or the wrong ratio can lead to a “duck-like” or
“trout-pout” appearance. Under no circumstances should
the lips enter the room before the individual (Figure 9)!
4.
On frontal view, the ideal upper lip: lower lip ratio is 1:1.6.The
vertical height of the upper lip should be less than that of the
lower lip. Women will often present requesting augmentation of the upper lip alone, without considering the balance
between the upper and lower lips. It is incumbent upon the
physician to educate the patient regarding this ideal ratio.
“Sausage” or “duck” lips (Figure 10) do not merely occur
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FIGURE 9. Exaggeration of the correct anterior projection proportions of the upper lip and lower lip relative to underlying craniofacial
landmarks can lead to a “duck-like” appearance.
D. S. Sarnoff, R. H. Gotkin
FIGURE 10. “Sausage” or “duck” lips do not merely occur from
overcorrection, but also from a poor understanding of the delicate
features of lip anatomy.
a)
FIGURE 11. The medial subunit of the upper lip extends from the midline
to the philtrum column; the lateral subunit extends from the philtrum
column to the oral commissure. Cupid’s bow is that central area of the
upper lip vermilion and vermilion-cutaneous junction that traverses
the philtrum columns and dimple. It has the central tubercle flanked
by subtle indentations. From the height of each arch of the bow, the
philtrum columns extend upward to the base of the columella.
from overcorrection, but also from a poor understanding of
the delicate contours of normal lip anatomy (Figure 11). Millard, in the first of his three volume Cleft Craft,7 described
in great detail the normal surface anatomy of the upper lip.
The subtleties of this surface anatomy must be understood
by the physician attempting to artistically augment the lips.
The objective in treating the upper lip is to artistically create a
form that harmonizes with the patient’s unique facial features
and takes into account the age and ethnic background of the
patient. The goal in treating the lower lip is to create bulk and
greater prominence and artistic projection of the vermilion. The
physician must establish appropriate guidelines and patient expectations for augmentation relative to normal lip proportions
in order to avoid a bizarre, cartoon-like appearance.
b)
Any physician performing lip augmentation should recognize
that temporary fillers can cause permanent stimulatory effects in
tissues.8 After 2 or 3 sessions of lip augmentation, full correction
may be obtained and persist indefinitely. Patients may return
for additional filler merely because a certain amount of time has
elapsed since their last injection, but the physician must evaluate
the proportions of the lips to truly determine if additional filler
is warranted. It is helpful to have a hand mirror for the patient
to observe her lip proportions as the doctor seeks to determine
whether more filler is needed. It is also beneficial to show the
patient her lips from the lateral view; digital photography is extremely useful in this regard.
While there is no single prescription for a “perfect” lip, nor a
“one size fits all” approach for lip augmentation, there are some
basic tenets to follow that will help guide the novice injector in
creating attractive, artistic, and aesthetically pleasing results: 1)
Keep in mind the areas that have a natural prominence or protuberance (Figure 12): there is a tubercle just lateral to the midline
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FIGURE 12. The tubercles of the upper and lower lips are natural areas of prominence that should be enhanced during lip augmentation.
D. S. Sarnoff, R. H. Gotkin
5.
Take frontal and lateral preoperative photos.
6. Make the patient aware of any pre-existing asymmetries
and explain that you will try to correct for them during
your injections.
on each side of the lower lip, a tubercle laterally on each side
of the upper lip, and one tubercle in the midline of the upper
lip. Maintaining these landmarks will help give the often-coveted
“pouty” look. 2) Listen to what the patient wants and make sure
it is reasonable; unrealistic expectations may be a sign of body
dysmorphic disorder. Act ethically and do not be afraid to refuse
treatment. 3) Lips do not swell symmetrically. Treat each side of
the lip in each step before going on to the next step. Keep track
of exactly how much filler is implanted at each location, so you
can inject the same amount to each side. If there is pre-existing
asymmetry, you will have to deviate from this rule in order to
correct for the asymmetry. 4) In most patients, approximately 1
cc to 1.5 cc of HA filler will be adequate to augment the lips and
achieve aesthetically pleasing results. Do not feel compelled to
use the entire syringe if it is not warranted.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Pre-Treatment Considerations
1.
Have the patient sign informed consent.
2.
Review the expected downtime with the patient prior
to treatment. Warn the patient that even with the best
technique, there likely will be significant edema and ecchymosis. Point out that the lips are highly vascular; the
trauma from the manipulation of the needles alone causes
swelling and bruising. Furthermore, HAs are hydrophilic
and, therefore, enhance this swelling. The edema may be
asymmetric and the immediate post-treatment results are
not the results she will have in one week.
3.
Determine which HA filler will be used for augmentation.9
In 2011, Restylane received FDA approval for lip augmentation;10 the other HA fillers can be used “off-label.”
4.
Administer antiviral medication in patients with a known
history of HSV I.
7.
Have hyaluronidase and nitrol paste available in case of inadvertent arterial injection or external arterial compression.
8.
Be aware of a patient’s medications that may predispose to
ecchymosis or hematoma (aspirin, warfarin, NSAIDs, steroids, Vitamin E, and herbal and other OTC supplements).
In the ideal setting, have the patient stop these medications prior to treatment. You may want to give prophylactic
arnica montana to minimize bruising.
9.
Use a 0.5” 30-gauge needle for implantation of the filler.
Anesthesia
Various topical anesthetics work well for lip augmentation.
They may include combinations of lidocaine, prilocaine, tetracaine, and phenylephrine.
Our custom and practice is to apply topical anesthetic approximately 30 minutes prior to treatment. Infraorbital and
mental nerve blocks, either intraoral or transcutaneous, can
be used as well.
Six Steps for the “Perfect” Lip
In previous years, when the only filling agent available was bovine collagen, the most commonly employed technique for lip
augmentation was injection into the “white roll” of the vermilion-cutaneous junction. The injection of product started at one
oral commissure and continued anterograde to the other. This
created the classic “sausage” or “duck” lip deformity.
Our 6-step technique involves administering approximately 12
injections—about 0.1 cc HA per injection—placed in strategic locations in the upper and lower lips. Note that some areas of the
lips may not be treated at all; some areas may require slightly
more or less than 0.1 cc. In our opinion, the best position for
the patient is supine with the neck slightly hyperextended. Over
time, even with the introduction of new fillers, we have found
this formula to be a template for success in creating aesthetically pleasing lips.
Step 1: Create Philtrum Columns
Sculpted philtrum columns are in style today. As we age, these
well-defined longitudinal pillars are lost, leading to a flattened,
ill-defined, unattractive upper lip. If the patient still has discernible philtrum columns, the object is to further enhance them. If
the philtrum columns have been completely effaced, it is imperative to re-create them. This is accomplished by superficial
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D. S. Sarnoff, R. H. Gotkin
FIGURE 13. Create philtrum columns.
FIGURE 14. Create Cupid’s bow.
FIGURE 15. Define the vermilion-cutaneous junction in the medial
aspect of the lateral subunit.
Step 3: Define The Vermilion-Cutaneous Junction
in the Medial Aspect of the Lateral Subunit of the
Upper Lip
The upper lip is divided transversely into medial and lateral
subunits.12 The medial subunit of the upper lip extends from
the midline to the philtrum column; the lateral subunit extends
from the philtrum column to the oral commissure and nasolabial fold. Inject ~0.1 cc HA laterally from the base of the philtrum
column, along the vermilion-cutaneous junction, about halfway
to the oral commissure. It is important not to augment the vermilion-cutaneous junction along the entire lateral subunit, but
only in its medial aspect (Figure 15).
vertical injection of filler into each philtrum column. It is important to realize that the philtrum columns are not parallel to
each other, but rather they form an inverted “V” that narrows
as it approaches the nostril sills and columella of the nose.11
Approximately 0.1 cc of HA filler should be injected into each
philtrum column (Figure 13).
Tip: Pinching the skin with your non-dominant hand during retrograde threading of the philtrum columns diminishes discomfort
and keeps the filler in a ridge and prevents it from splaying laterally. Pinching after injection helps to further mold the filler to
define the philtrum columns. Upon completion of the injections
into the philtrum columns, one notes immediate definition of the
philtrum dimple and enhancement of the Cupid’s bow.
Step 2: Create Cupid’s Bow
The pouty, Cupid’s bow appearance of the central portion of the
upper lip is considered sexy, desirable, and very much in fashion today. Place the tip of the needle at the base of the philtrum
column (at the vermilion-cutaneous junction) and advance to
the vermilion-mucosal junction (“wet line”). Inject a 0.1-cc thin
thread of filler in a retrograde fashion. This thread of filler acts
as an anteroposterior strut to support the projection of the central upper lip (Figure 14).
Do not augment the vermilion-cutaneous junction in the medial
subunit as it will obliterate Cupids bow and create the “sausage”
or “duck” lip.
Tip: Pinch the vermilion-cutaneous junction to reduce discomfort and to prevent product from splaying from its desired
area of placement. Inject slowly, do not over-fill and watch for
blanching of the lip. This helps to prevent direct injection or external compression of the labial artery, either of which can lead
to ischemia or necrosis.
Step 4: Create Lower Lip “Pillows” or Tubercles on
Each Side of the Midline
Ask the patient to evert the lower lip. Deposit approximately
~0.1 cc of filler as a depot injection into the orbicularis oris
muscle at the vermilion-mucosal junction on each side of the
midline. The depot injection should be about one third of the
distance from the midline to the oral commissure. Gently massage to prevent superficial lumpiness (Figure 16).
Step 5: Support or Bolster the Oral Commissures
Place ~0.1 cc filler in the most lateral aspect of the cutaneous lower
lip so as to provide upward support to the commissures (Figure 17).
Tip: Injectable neuromodulating agents (botulinum toxin A)
placed into the depressor anguli oris muscles can be used as
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FIGURE 16. Create lower lip tubercles.
FIGURE 18. Evert the upper lip by filling the upper aspect of the
nasolabial creases.
D. S. Sarnoff, R. H. Gotkin
FIGURE 17. Support the oral commissures.
od may be camouflaged by applying flesh-toned foundation or
concealer to the entire vermilion. Lipstick can then be applied to
a smaller portion of the vermilion than usual so as to not exaggerate the swelling that may be present.
DISCUSSION
an adjunct to further elevate the commissures. This combines
structural support with chemical neuromodulation to shape the
oral commissures.
Step 6: Fill the Nasolabial Creases
Place ~0.1 cc of filler in the upper portion of the nasolabial
crease; this helps to evert the upper lip. One must be cautious
in the region of the piriform aperture so as to not inject or externally compress the angular artery (Figure 18).13, 14
Tip: Inject just medial to the nasolabial crease to prevent splaying
of the product laterally. Augmentation lateral to the nasolabial
crease only serves to deepen the appearance of the crease.
Post-Injection Care
Cool compresses and ice packs can be used to minimize swelling and bruising. Patients should be advised to avoid ASA,
NSAIDs, and other medications associated with an increased
risk of bleeding. If anti-HSV I medication was prescribed, it
should be continued according to physician recommendation.
Because HAs are hydrophilic, they attract water from the surrounding tissues and further augment the soft tissue volume
beyond that expected from mere implantation. The significant
swelling of the vermilion in the immediate post-operative peri-
These six steps will help to augment and evert volume-depleted lips. For those patients that have pronounced radial “lipstick
bleed lines” in the cutaneous portion of the upper lip, additional treatments may be necessary. Caution must be exercised in
treating these lines not to use a robust, high-G’ filler; the orbicularis oris muscle is a sphincter muscle and its constant “milking”
action may cause clumping of robust fillers. This can result in
nodules, lumpiness and migration of product. It is preferable to
“spackle” with a less viscous filler, such as Belotero. This technique requires very superficial placement of HA filler. A unique
complication resulting from superficial implantation of most HA
fillers is a bluish discoloration of the skin known as the Tyndall effect.15 One advantage of using Belotero in this area is the reported
absence of the Tyndall effect when implanted superficially.16
If the radial lip lines are prominent and dynamic in nature, it
is better to inject botulinum toxin A, off-label, as an adjunct.
Botulinum toxin A injections should be administered after filler
injections are completed so as to avoid the resultant fluid volume distention and distortion of the lips.
In patients with severe solar elastosis and photodamage who
desire comprehensive perioral rejuvenation with more lasting
results, fractional laser resurfacing with the CO2 or Erb:YAG laser
can be combined with injectable neuromodulating agents and
our 6-step technique using HA to create the “perfect lip.”
CONCLUSION
Lip enhancement is one of the most frequently requested procedures in a cosmetic practice. We recommend hyaluronic acid
for safe, natural lip augmentation. Our 6-step technique is a
template that can be used to artistically create aesthetically
pleasing “perfect lips.”
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DISCLOSURES
Dr. Sarnoff and Dr. Gotkin are both consultants for Merz Aesthetics. No financial support was received for any work leading
to this publication.
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Personal communication, Brian Pilcher, Ph.D., Vice President, Medical Affairs & Clinical Education, Merz Aesthetics, February, 2012.
ADDRESS FOR CORRESPONDENCE
Deborah S. Sarnoff MD FAAD FACP
625 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10065
Phone:...…...........…….….….…...........................(212) 794-4000
Fax:...…................…….….…................................(212) 794-0231
E-mail:................…….…......…[email protected]
D. S. Sarnoff, R. H. Gotkin